Inquiry dates set for controversial goldmine application

A DATE for the public inquiry into Dalradian Gold’s controversial application to mine part of the Sperrins near Greencastle has been officially announced.

The first pre-inquiry hearing will take place on March 20 at 10.30am in the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh.

All statements of the case must be submitted to the Commission by May 17 at 4pm, with rebuttals required by June 14 at 4pm.

The public inquiry itself will commence at 10:30am on September 10, 2024, at the Strule Arts Centre.

The goldmine proposal has been highly contentious since Dalradian first announced its plans back in 2012.

The Save Our Sperrins campaign group has raised approximat £35,000 from a crowd-funder to pay for legal representation and experts to oppose Dalradian Gold at the inquiry.

The Secretary of the group Fidelma O’Kane said, “The forthcoming Public Inquiry into Dalradian’s goldmine and associated applications is an opportunity for people to make clear how strongly they feel about this proposal that will pollute the water, air and land and damage people’s health, causing respiratory diseases and cancers. Building on the unprecedented number of 50,000 objections submitted against Dalradian’s plans, Save Our Sperrins strongly encourages people to take part in the Public Inquiry.”

The Canadian firm holds the mineral rights to mine the Curraghinalt gold deposit near Greencastle and believes the area contains around £3 billion worth of gold,

They state the project will bring jobs and investment to the area and that it will be subjected to the ‘highest environmental standards’ if the mine is approved.

However, there is also significant opposition to the mine due to concerns about the impact it may have on the health of residents and the environment.

West Tyrone SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan has welcomed the announcement and has asked for people to ‘respect the process’.

Mr McCrossan stated, “It is 43 months since former Minister Mallon announced in late June 2020 that there was going to be a Public Inquiry into Dalradian’s proposed Gold Mine at Curraghinalt.”

He added, “There are valid concerns surrounding the environmental and community impact of the project, and I hope these will be fully explored through the public inquiry. It’s important that all aspects of this planning application are fully explored.

“I know there are strong feelings about this application. I would ask that people respect the process and also be respectful to those with differing opinions on either side of this debate.”